The newest limited edition watch from New Zealand based Magrette is this Regattare Bronze (technically called the Ragattare Vintage Bronze), and there is a lot to love here. The Regattare collection is one of Magrette’s mainstay models that have seen numerous versions and revisions over the years. Now in bronze, collectors and style aficionado’s get an interesting case material option at+ a solid price.

Bronze is not typically used for watch cases but 2010 and 2011 saw a range of bronze watches being released for the collector’s market. It would be a tough material to sell to the mainstream given the metal’s tendency to oxidize – which is exactly why some collector’s like the material though. Bronze develops a patina over time (not that much time) that appears like discoloration on the metal. This is valued to some collectors as their watch will not only look unique (no two age the same) but also because the aging will help the timepiece look like a vintage item.

For the 44mm wide Regattare case Magrette uses CuSn8 bronze. It is an alloy of copper and highly resistant to ocean climate corrosion. It comes as no surprise then that bronze has traditionally been used a lot on boats where corrosion is particularly an issue to due ocean water and air. The Regattare Bronze will be at home on boat decks such as that.

Bronze looks a bit like gold, but the finish and color are not the same. Bronze of course is much less expensive and more “tool” than “luxury.” In going along with the bronze case Magrette places an attractive brown colored dial on the watch as well. This warms up the look and offers a new style to the collection of Regattare watches out there. Another little change is the removal of the seconds hand. Here Magrette plays with the look of the dial to give it a more simple, minimalist feel. The term “BRONZE” is also added to the dial.

The case is water resistant to 50 meters (there are other Magrette watches with a lot more water resistance) and over the dial is an AR coated sapphire crystal. Inside the watch is a Japanese Miyota automatic movement. On the caseback is a unique piece of Ancient Kauri wood that has been “burned” with the specific number of the watch in this limited edition. You can read more about Magrette’s use of Ancient Kauri wood here. The watch comes on a black leather strap but I think a brown leather strap would also look very nice. Magrette will offer the Regattare Vintage Bronze as a limited edition of 1000 pieces. Price is very reasonable at $385 plus shipping.

Learn more or pre-order/order here.

Tech specs from Magrette:

Model: Reggattare Vintage Bronze
Movement: 21 jewels (Miyota) Automatic
Case: Bronze, brush finish, 44mm excluding the crown.
Crown: Screw down
Crystal: Sapphire, AR (anti reflective) coated inside the crystal
Water-resistance: 5 ATM (approx 132ft)
Strap: 24mm Leather (black with black stitching)
Box: Eco pine
Vintage Style Roll Case: Canvas
Limited Edition: 1000 pieces
Price: $385.00 USD plus $30.00 shipping worldwide.